So, what about being transparent precludes action in Vietnam? If this industry was serious about welfare, they would be voluntarily suspending trade to Vietnam until the problems are sorted. Instead, they suggest that as the problem is "not universal" ....its not necessary. The fact that >180000 cattle were flogged off there last year and that Jan has just set a new monthly record (37500) apparently has nothing to do with it.

Ms Penfold commented that "a number of facilities have been suspended". Exactly what number? How many of the 89 "ESCAS" abattoirs has problems? As RSPCA Australia's chief scientist Bidda Jones stated so aptly: "If abuse is commonplace in non-approved facilities, it's ludicrous to suggest that the industry has been able to stamp it out in approved abattoirs; it takes far more than an occasional audit and a voluntary training course to permanently change entrenched practices."